Greece…what an amazing country and incredible destination. Recently, one of our agents Mary Bickett had the opportunity to experience this gem of a country for a whole week. A week is not nearly enough time for this special destination, but you can get a taste of a little bit of everything, which will prepare you for wanting a return trip. Greece offers many different experiences, including history, culinary, family friendly trips, islands, beaches, romance, honeymoons, incredible wedding destinations, luxury stays, golf courses, spa relaxation and many more. Mary had the opportunity to visit Athens, Crete, Santorini and Mykonos on this adventure. Check out our tips for each destination.
Our agent, Mary Bickett has 44 years of experience in the travel industry. She specializes in Europe; specifically France, Ireland, Italy, Spain and now Greece. Her interests include: all-inclusive resorts, Beach & Sun trips, Food & Wine trips, Luxury travel and Safaris.
Athens is the capital city of Greece with an approximate population of 3.7 million people, but there are also estimates that go up to 5 million. It is in many ways the birthplace of Classical Greece, and therefore of Western civilization. The city has a rich history including designs by Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman Empires. Today, greater Athens is the economic, political and cultural center of modern Greece, and has almost half of Greece’s total population.
Athens is not a cashless city – there are a lot of ATMs around, so make sure you take your debit card and get cash for all the places that won’t take credit or debit
Use apps – taxi’s can be found near major squares and are relativly cheap. The app BEAT will allow you to choose a specific taxi driver that speaks English.
In the shadow of the Acropolis and its ancestral temples, on the slope of the hillside, is Plaka, a neighborhood with a rustic touch and narrow cobbled streets full of tiny shops selling jewelry, clothing and local pottery. – Google
[/fusion_tab][fusion_tab title=”Temple of Olympian Zeus” icon=”” hide_pop_tinymce=””]
Ruined temple completed under Hadrian
Vast temple begun in 6th century B.C. on the site of an ancient outdoor sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. – Google
The Temple of Olympian Zeus
[/fusion_tab][fusion_tab title=”Ancient Agora of Athens” icon=”” hide_pop_tinymce=””]
Iconic Greek ruins with a museum
Famous landmark featuring the ruins of an ancient Greek gathering place & a museum with artifacts. – Google
Neoclassical museum of Ancient Greek art & archaeology, with sculpture, metalwork, vases & jewelry. – Google
National Archaeological Museum
[/fusion_tab][fusion_tab title=”Monastiraki” icon=”” hide_pop_tinymce=””]
The Agora, classic landmarks & tavernas
Lively Monastiraki is known for iconic landmarks including the ruins of Hadrian’s Library, the Ancient Agora and the rebuilt Stoa of Attalos, with a museum exhibiting Athenian objects. – Google
In Athens, Mary stayed at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, a 5 star luxury hotel right in the heart of Athens; steps from Syntagma Square and the Hellenic Parliament. For dinner she enjoyed Mediterranean cuisine at the GB Roof Garden Restaurant with an amazing view of the night Acropolis. This luxury hotel also features a spa and is close to a golf course.
With breathtaking views of the fabled Acropolis, regal Syntagma Square and the Parliament, lush Lycabettus Hill or the original Olympic Stadium, the multi-awarded 5 star Hotel Grande Bretagne offers an unrivaled perspective of Athens’ mythical history. Located right in the heart of the city since 1874, the multi-awarded landmark hotel is within walking distance of exclusive shopping areas, museums and the business district. With meticulous attention to detail, the 320 rooms and suites marry charming old-world elegance with state-of-the-art facilities, whereas the 58 suites enjoy additional benefits including personalized Butler Service. Visit the picturesque GB Roof Garden Restaurant for the finest Mediterranean cuisine or the Winter Garden for an afternoon high tea and do not miss the GB Spa for a signature massage, beauty treatment or an indulgent respite in the thermal Suite. Meet our Concierge team members, who stand ready to unlock the secret treasures of Athens. -Hotel Grande Bretagne
Mary also visited King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, a 5 star luxury hotel right in the heart of Athens; steps from Syntagma Square and the Hellenic Parliament. With just over 100 rooms this hotel feels a bit more exclusive than the Grande Bretange. She enjoyed Greek cuisine at Tudor Hall Restaurant. This luxury hotel is also close to a golf course and has a large ballroom for events or weddings.
Dating back to 1930 and located in the centre of Athens, the 5-star King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, represents the absolute essence of a fascinating boutique hotel. Perfectly situated for captivating experiences, a truly inspiring and gracious venue, King George is located within walking distance from the wonders of Athens. The Acropolis, Agora, Plaka and Thission are nearby, so are upmarket boutiques, world-renowned museums and the city’s vibrant business district. With 102 rooms and suites, a Penthouse Suite with private outdoor pool overlooking the fabled Acropolis, the awarded Tudor Hall Restaurant featuring authentic Greek cuisine and incomparable views of the city’s landmarks, King George finds its best expression in the outstanding personalized service. -King George
Tudor entrements of walnut pie with honey ice cream and cinnamon
Call (800) 510-5642 and let Traveloni plan your next Greek Escape.
Trust in our travel professionals; let us handle the travel details so you can relax and enjoy!
[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_pop_tinymce=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
